Exploring Distilled Delights: Rum Aged on a Ship and Other Unique Additions for Your Drinks Cabinet
I appreciate when drink producers go beyond traditional boundaries and explore new possibilities. Though the outcomes can be a mixed bag, often resulting in bizarre flavors, I find that many innovative spirits can be delightful. Here are three spirits I’ve recently tasted that embrace this adventurous spirit while proving delicious:
Starward Co-Ferment Grape X Malt Australian Spirit
Originating from Port Melbourne, this unique spirit sells for $139. It showcases a creative blend of grape and malt flavors, offering a distinctive tasting experience that pushes the conventional limits of distilled spirits.
While exploring innovative drinks can lead to unexpected results, these selections prove that thinking outside the box can yield remarkable and tasty outcomes that any connoisseur would appreciate.
Florida Mail Carrier Arrested for DUI After Drinking at House Party on Delivery Route
MELBOURNE, Fla. – A USPS worker was arrested earlier this month after consuming alcohol at a house party on her delivery route, leading to erratic driving behavior. Katelyne Dye, 33, was charged with DUI following an incident that took place on April 12.
Reports from the Melbourne police indicate that they received calls about a USPS mail truck driving against traffic on South Harbor City Boulevard, with the driver reportedly tossing plastic cups out of the vehicle. Officers observed Dye’s truck swerving in and out of lanes, prompting them to pull her over.
Upon stopping the vehicle, officers found Dye to be “confused and disoriented.” Field sobriety tests indicated she was under the influence. When questioned, Dye admitted to drinking two shots of vodka at a party she attended after making a delivery on Riverview Drive. She claimed that her swerving was due to falling asleep at the wheel and suggested that the plastic cup was just water used to mask the smell of alcohol.
Witnesses reported that she nearly collided with several vehicles while driving on U.S. 1 before police intervened. Dye was subsequently taken to the Brevard County jail.
For more information, you can read the full article on WKMG.
Postal Worker Arrested for DUI After Consuming Vodka at House Party on Delivery Route in Melbourne
MELBOURNE, Fla. – A postal worker from USPS, identified as Katelyne Dye, 33, was arrested for DUI on April 12 after she consumed alcohol at a house party during her delivery route.
The incident unfolded when Melbourne police received reports of a USPS mail truck driving against traffic on South Harbor City Boulevard and throwing plastic cups out of the vehicle. When officers arrived, they observed the truck traveling west on East University Boulevard, making a U-turn to head east while swerving in and out of its lane.
Upon pulling over the truck, police noted that Dye appeared confused and disoriented. Field sobriety tests indicated that she was under the influence. When questioned, Dye revealed that she had gone into a home on Riverview Drive to deliver mail and had been invited to a party where she consumed two shots of vodka.
Dye admitted to swerving because she had fallen asleep behind the wheel. She commented on the cups being thrown from the truck, stating it contained just water that she used to rinse her mouth in an attempt to mask the smell of alcohol.
Witnesses corroborated police reports, stating they saw Dye’s truck nearly collide with several vehicles as it swerved on the road. She was subsequently booked into the Brevard County jail.
Belvedere Vodka Unveils Its Bold New Cocktail: The ‘Dirty’ Drink!
Belvedere Vodka has launched Belvedere Dirty Brew, a coffee-based vodka that retails for $50 and is available at Selfridges. The brand’s CEO, Francois-Xavier Desplancke, describes the product as a bold statement that combines luxury spirits with coffee craftsmanship.
Belvedere Dirty Brew is designed from a captivating bottle to its intriguing name, distinguishing itself in the market. This launch follows the brand’s promotion of Belvedere 10, featuring a campaign with musician Future and director Taika Waititi, showcasing vintage Rolls Royces and cowboy aesthetics.
Future emphasizes the authenticity of the campaign, stating that it reflects a genuine embodiment of the product’s spirit, merging simple design with extravagant elements. The vodka’s bottle design symbolizes the quality of the Dankowskie Diamond rye used in its creation.
Additionally, Belvedere has recently become the first official vodka partner for Formula 1, marking its presence in high-octane events. Desplancke highlights that this partnership aligns with both brands’ commitment to innovation and excellence, establishing Belvedere Vodka not just as a partner but as a significant participant in the thrills of Formula 1.
For more details on Belvedere Vodka and its partnerships, visit WWD.
Ridgewood Union Workers Among 600 Securing New Contract in Manhattan Beer Strike
After a three-day strike that affected beverage distribution across the New York metropolitan area, unionized delivery drivers and warehouse workers at Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors (MBBD) have successfully secured a new contract featuring enhanced pension benefits. This victory includes workers from the Ridgewood facility, who played a crucial role in the negotiations.
The strike commenced on April 15, when over 600 employees at four MBBD locations walked off the job due to what their union termed unfair labor practices during ongoing contract discussions. The workers, represented by the Laundry, Distribution, and Food Service Joint Board, Workers United/SEIU, had been operating without a contract since their previous agreement had expired that same morning.
Picket lines were established at significant sites, including MBBD’s headquarters in the Bronx and facilities in Ridgewood, Wyandanch, and Suffern. The Ridgewood drivers joined their fellow union members in demanding respect and fair contractual terms, particularly to protect their pension plans.
The union alleged that MBBD violated federal labor laws by trying to negotiate directly with workers and sidestepping the union. The contentious issue revolved around the company’s attempts to exit the employees’ pension fund, which would drastically reduce retirement benefits for current and future employees.
Joe Gonzalez, Jr., a beer delivery worker, expressed frustration, stating, “We deserve real retirement security, fair wages, and respect on the job. We’re angry that they have been trying to sidestep our union and our bargaining committee on the critical issue of our pensions.”
The strike disrupted thousands of bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and bodegas, impacting beverage distribution in the area. With over 350 delivery trucks and more than one million square feet of warehouse space, MBBD handles over 300 beverage brands, including popular names like Corona and Coors.
Alberto Arroyo, Co-Manager of the LDFS Union, emphasized the wrongful nature of the company’s tactics, highlighting the disrespect shown to workers. The union called for MBBD to restore fairness to the negotiation process and contribute an additional $1.50 per hour to strengthen future pension benefits.
Following several days of picketing and public support, the workers ended their strike on April 17 after reaching a tentative agreement that includes stronger protections for pensions. This new contract, covering 600 workers from the Bronx, Ridgewood, Wyandanch, and Suffern, is expected to be ratified by union members soon.
The outcome underscores the power of solidarity among workers, as the Ridgewood drivers stood united against what they perceived as corporate overreach.
Dive into Delight: Center City’s Sips Event Features $7 Cocktails, $6 Wine, and $5 Beer at Nearly 100 Bars!
Nearly 100 bars in Center City will be participating in the return of Center City Sips, offering happy hour specials beginning June 4 and running every Wednesday through August 27. Throughout this season, from 5-7 p.m., patrons can enjoy $7 cocktails, $6 wines, and $5 beers at participating locations, along with half-price appetizers.
The lineup includes various offerings, with many establishments expected to announce their Sips menus closer to the start date. Customers can look forward to deals on seasonal drafts and popular selections such as rosé and margaritas. Notable options include $7 oysters and croquettes at Harper’s Garden, $6 "personal nachos" at Cavanaugh’s, and $10 select pies at Pizzeria Vetri.
To celebrate its 21st season, Center City Sips will kick off with a birthday party on May 21 at Dilworth Park, featuring an early 2000s theme. Admission is free, but guests can purchase ticketed upgrades for more perks.
For further information, visit the official Center City Sips page here.
The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
In Hadley, V-One Vodka is facing significant financial challenges due to newly imposed tariffs. Founder Paul Kozub disclosed that before he can receive a shipment of 2,000 vodka cases from Poland, he must pay an $8,000 tariff, in addition to a hefty federal liquor excise tax of $25,000 to $28,000 per shipment. This added cost is particularly burdensome for small businesses like his, especially given the current inflation and rising operational costs.
Kozub expressed his frustration over the additional 10% tariff on European goods, stating, “You’re already taxing this product, and now you are levying a 10% additional tax.” He highlighted that this tariff is a considerable hit to profit margins, which are already strained in the industry. With V-One Vodka set to celebrate 20 years in business, Kozub has strived to distinguish his brand by investing in a state-of-the-art distillery in Poland, allowing him to maintain high-quality production.
Unexpectedly learning about the new tariff from his customs broker, Kozub hoped to avoid it as the shipment had left Europe before its announcement. Now he faces the dilemma of choosing between paying the tariff to clear his shipment or risking costly storage fees at the port. This shipment is critical, particularly as the holiday season approaches, which typically sees increased sales of alcohol.
Despite already raising prices 18 months ago, Kozub finds little room for further increases without risking a loss of market share. He noted, “It feels like there is not room for me to go up anymore.” His commitment to using high-end ingredients, such as local maple syrup in his V-One Hazelnut Vodka, reflects his dedication to quality, even as he battles the financial implications of tariffs and rising production costs tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Kozub has actively sought assistance from local political representatives in hopes of finding relief from the tariffs. While he acknowledges the broader aim of the tariffs—reshoring U.S. manufacturing—he argues that vodka production in Poland is essential to the beverage’s quality and heritage. He emphasizes that many small businesses are similarly affected, feeling the real impact of these tariffs on their operations.
Understanding Tariffs: What They Mean for Your Beer, Regardless of Its Brew Location
You may find yourself sighing over rising prices in today’s economy, and unfortunately, the cost of your favorite beer is also on the rise. Due to recent U.S. tariffs imposed internationally, beer drinkers can expect to pay more for their favorite brews, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already challenging economic landscape.
According to Bart Watson, president of the Brewers Association, the beer industry is facing significant uncertainty. This uncertainty largely stems from the increased import taxes on key ingredients and packaging materials.
Local Brewing Challenges
Even local breweries rely on ingredients sourced from afar. While some hops are grown in the U.S., others come from countries like New Zealand and Germany. Specific varieties, particularly “noble hops,” essential for crafting traditional lagers, are exclusively European. Furthermore, vital grains such as barley and wheat often hail from Canada and Australia. With this broad sourcing, shaping unique beer flavors becomes challenging if prices rise due to tariffs.
The Impact of Aluminum and Steel Tariffs
The shift towards canned beers in recent years has been popular among craft breweries. However, the implementation of a 25% tariff on aluminum cans is poised to further elevate costs for consumers. In fact, many kegs are sourced from Europe and China, meaning inflated keg prices will inevitably lead to higher prices for your favorite drafts as well.
Many breweries also face escalating costs for brewing equipment, as a significant portion of critical supplies, including stainless steel components, is sourced internationally. With price forecasts suggesting that a six-pack may rise to $20 and pints could cost up to $12, the financial burden is set to be significant for many breweries.
A Call to Action
These tariff impositions come at a critical time for the beer industry, which is still recuperating from the fallout of COVID-19 lockdowns. Consumers who wish to support their local breweries can make a difference by purchasing directly from them and visiting taprooms whenever possible. While adjustments to personal spending may be necessary, choosing quality over quantity can enhance your beer experience.
In these turbulent times, it is crucial to voice your concerns to your representatives and stay informed on how these tariffs will affect the beer industry in the long term.
For further insight into the economic implications of import tariffs affecting various industries, you can read more about the challenges faced by local coffee roasters here.
Get Ready for Whiskey Wednesdays: Round 15 – Cheers to Good Times!
Tickets are currently available for Round 15 of the Whiskey Wednesdays charity raffle series, organized by Elizabethtown-based nonprofit Give 270. The series will run each Wednesday from April 9 to June 25, featuring a unique "Odd or Even" raffle format with a selection of valuable prizes hidden behind 12 locker doors, along with two grand prizes at the end.
Participants can look forward to an impressive lineup, including a six-bottle Weller “Rainbow” Vertical, a two-bottle set of George T. Stagg and Stagg Jr. Batch 1, and multiple bottles from the Van Winkle collection, among others. Each ticket will offer five chances to win each week, in addition to four weekly bonus prizes. Noteworthy bonus offerings include two Willet 8 year Rye MANABOUTTOWN Give 270 Single Barrels, a Luca Mariano Give 270 Pick, and a Buffalo Trace Give 270 Pick.
Each week, the winners will advance towards the chance of winning one of two ultimate prizes: Buffalo Trace O.F.C. Vintage 2005 for odd-numbered weeks, and Double Eagle Very Rare for even-numbered weeks.
All proceeds from the raffle support various local organizations and initiatives, with weekly funds benefiting different causes, such as the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Foundation, Greenspace, and the Kosair for Kids NICU at Baptist Health Hardin.
Eric Clemens, board chair of Give 270, expressed optimism about the impact of the raffle, stating, “Whiskey Wednesdays has become a staple here at Give 270, and Round 15 promises to be bigger and better than ever. Every ticket purchased makes a difference."
The Whiskey Wednesdays Round 15 raffles will be conducted live on Give 270’s Facebook page and YouTube channel at 8 p.m. each Wednesday from April 9 to June 25. Tickets are priced at $5 each, and there is no limit on the number of tickets one can purchase.
To buy tickets, view the full list of prizes, or keep up with Give 270’s events, visit give270.org.
Metallica to Rock Syracuse: Pop-Up Shop, Whiskey Tasting, and More!
It’s Metallica week in Syracuse! The legendary metal band is set to perform at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, April 19, with over 46,000 tickets already sold. This concert is being touted as the second-largest event in the history of the venue. For those still searching for tickets, a limited number are available on platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats.
But the excitement doesn’t end with the concert. There are several events leading up to the show that fans can participate in. On Friday, April 18, the band will premiere their new documentary, “Metallica Saved My Life,” at Regal Destiny USA. The first screening has sold out, but accessible seats remain for the second showing.
Additionally, fans can visit a Metallica pop-up shop at the Westcott Theater on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop will feature exclusive merchandise, including a special concert poster, event t-shirts, skateboards, and a unique orange-and-blue splatter vinyl of Metallica’s album, “72 Seasons.” Fans will also have a chance to win prizes, including “Snake Pit” passes to the concert, through the “M72 Fan Card” program.
On the same day as the pop-up, master distiller Rob Dietrich will host a meet-and-greet at the TisMart Cigar Shop and Lounge in North Syracuse to celebrate the band’s Blackened American Whiskey. The meet-and-greet will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for attendees aged 21 and over.
Moreover, Metallica is partnering with the American Red Cross for blood drives in Liverpool on Thursday and Friday, with donors receiving a complimentary Metallica shirt. Additionally, on Saturday, they will host a community service opportunity through their All Within My Hands foundation at the Food Bank of Central New York.
This performance marks Metallica’s first concert in Syracuse in nearly three decades, making it a historic event for fans and the community alike. It is also their sole stop in New York state for their M72 world tour in 2025.
Metallica remains one of the top-selling music acts globally, with over 125 million albums sold. Their iconic songs include “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Master of Puppets.”